Intro
The evergreen huckleberry or Vaccinium ovatum is a beautiful arching evergreen shrub that produces delicious blue-black berries that taste somewhere between a blueberry and a huckleberry. The pink to white tiny bell-shaped flowers are well loved by native bees. The small glossy green leaves begin bright red and then turn green with maturity making this shrub a favorite of florists and foragers alike!
History
Huckleberries of all kinds were sought after along the Pacific Coast as well as inland by many First Nations People. They were traditionally used dried in breads and as flavourings as well as fresh. They were also used traditionally to treat heart ailments, pain and to fight infections.
Growing
The evergreen huckleberry thrives in a part shade (especially afternoon shade) position with woodland soil and plenty of rotting wood. The shallow roots like a moist (not soaking) soil. In the sun they may grow to about 4 to 6 feet and in the shade they will have a more open habit and can grow to about 8 to 10 feet. Huckleberries hate to be moved, so think hard about the best planting spot and leave it be. Rotting wood or composted hemlock/fir mulch or even better planting beside a rotting log, along with other woodland companion plants will keep your Huckleberry very happy.
Container
If you can replicate the woodland soil and grow in a fairly wide container like a half oak barrel where you can tuck in some ferns, mosses and possibly sweet violets and some old pieces of rotting fir you may be able to keep your huckleberry happy.
Pruning
There is very little pruning that needs to be done as this is a fairly slow growing evergreen plant. If you do need to clip off a branch or two be sure to add it to a flower bouquet as these plants are gorgeous in floral arrangements.
Pollination
Many native bees adore the early bell -shaped pinky white flowers. These plants are self fruitful but it is helpful to have multiple huckleberry plants nearby, as this will greatly increase their attraction for pollinators.